Cheltenham Markets Shook Up By Douvan Absence

There has been a shake-up in next year’s Cheltenham Festival markets after Willie Mullins confirmed Douvan will miss the rest of the season.

The seven year-old, who has six Grade One Chase wins under his belt, was last seen suffering his only defeat over fences in the Champion Chase this year and had featured at the top end of the betting for next year’s renewal at 3/1.

As a result, Nicky Henderson’s Altior has shortened further as 5/4 favourite from 11/8 for the Champion Chase,

while there has been added support for Min (7/2 from 6/1) and Politologue (5/1 from 7/1).

Douvan’s stablemate Un de Sceaux has also entered the reckoning should Willie Mullins aim him at the race and he is now 8/1 to win the race that Sprinter Sacre denied him in 2016.

*Prices correct at time of publication